Nirmal Verma named Indian Navy chief

New Delhi, June 6 (IANS) Vice Admiral Nirmal Kumar Verma, the chief of the Eastern Naval Command, will be the next Indian Navy chief, it was announced here Saturday. He will take over from incumbent Admiral Sureesh Mehta, who retires August 31.

Verma was commissioned July 1, 1970 into the Executive Branch of the navy. During his long and distinguished service, he has served in a variety of command, staff and instructional appointments.

Before taking over as Eastern Naval Command chief he was the vice chief of naval staff.

Verma is an alumnus of the Royal Naval Staff College and the US Naval War College. He has instructional experience at the National Defence College as senior directing staff and at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He also commanded the Naval Academy at Goa.

Verma is a recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his distinguished service.